It is probably several weeks too late to make much of an impact, but top-order batsman Aaron Redmond will make his return for Otago tomorrow.
The Volts are all but out of the one-day competition.
There is a slim chance they could scrape into the play-offs if they beat both Wellington at the Basin Reserve tomorrow and Central Districts in New Plymouth on Tuesday.
"It is a slim possibility and unfortunately we are going to have to rely on other results," Otago coach Mike Hesson said.
"With eight rounds, if you don't hit the ground running, which we haven't, then you find it tough come the back end of the season."
Hesson said the Volts were looking to finish the one-day competition strongly and hope for the best.
Redmond has been a key player for Otago over the past three years but has been sidelined since he strained his groin and injured his hip while bowling in a twenty/20 international against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on November 12.
His return was welcome, but Otago could have used the classy right-hander at the business end of the twenty/20 tournament and for Otago's last one-day match.
Auckland humbled the Volts by 84 runs.
"We're delighted to have Aaron back," Hesson said.
"He has worked hard for 11 and a-half weeks and we're pleased he has got that last 10%-15% fitness back."
Redmond replaces Leighton Morgan at the top of the order and bowling all-rounder Nathan McCullum is also back after helping the Black Caps beat Bangladesh by 10 wickets in a one-off twenty/20 match in Hamilton on Wednesday night.
McCullum replaces Sam Wells, who has not recaptured the form he was in earlier in the summer.
The University-Grange all-rounder took two five-wicket bags and scored his maiden first-class 100 but injured his shoulder late last year and has not long been back to full fitness.
Otago has resisted making any more changes, despite a disappointing display against Auckland.
"We just need to get our confidence back in this form of the game," Hesson said.
"Hopefully, a few of the younger guys can stand up and a few of the more experienced players can show what they are capable of."
Wellington will name its side today.
The Firebirds are in fifth place with eight points from six matches and must win to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Wellington will look to England international Owais Shah and veteran top-order batsman Neal Parlane with the bat and Black Caps spinner Jeetan Patel.
Mark Gillespie made a useful return last week, but tweaked a hamstring and might be rested.
Otago v Wellington
Basin Reserve, tomorrow, 11am
Otago: Craig Cumming (captain), Aaron Redmond, Shaun Haig, Derek de Boorder, Greg Todd, Nathan McCullum, Darren Broom, Yasir Arafat, Warren McSkimming, Neil Wagner, Nick Beard, Anthony Bullick.
Wellington (possible): Neal Parlane, Cameron Merchant, Michael Pollard, Owais Shah, Chris Nevin, Luke Woodcock, Harry Boam, DeWayne Bowden, Jeetan Patel, Sunnie Chan, Mark Gillespie, Malaesaili Tugaga.
